Looking for a job? Your first impulse may be to grab the help-wanted section or surf the Web for job ads. But your job search will be more effective if you first take the time to create a plan.

Make a weekly or daily schedule of job search activities. This plan will help you keep track during your search. Develop your own schedule by committing to at least some of the following activities:

Get help with your job search

• Find and contact your local American Job Center to talk to with a counselor and learn what specific resources might be available to help in your search.
• Take assessments to identify your skills, interests, values, or other traits.
• Prepare your resume.
• Get in touch with your networking contacts.
• Attend support groups and job clubs in your area.
• Attend job search training sessions or related training.

Explore career options

• Set up informational interviews.
• Talk with someone every day about your job search.
• Read professional journals and other career resources.
• Research potential employers .

Search for jobs

• Review electronic job search tools.
• Attend job search fairs.
• Browse online job boards and newspaper job ads.